As the holiday season kicks in, retailers offer best-of-the-year event prices. Cyber Monday is one such event that entices shoppers every year. After Black Friday, shoppers have more time to grab retailers’ high discounts as part of the Cyber Monday deals. With so many amazing deals, it is easy to get carried away, and buyers may buy things they never wanted to buy. On that note, here are the common mistakes one should avoid:

1. Shopping without a list
Buyers must do their homework and make a list of the items they need to shop for. Once they make the list, they must stick to it, which will help them stay within their budget. A little preparation can help customers avoid impulse purchases while saving time and money. Though buyers might find it hard to pass up the exciting discount on the coffeemaker or headphones they always wanted, they must ask themselves if they really need the product.

2. Not doing research ahead of time
Before taking advantage of the great deals, being aware of the actual cost can greatly help buyers in their purchase decisions. This is especially important when buying electronics like smartphones, laptops, television sets, or other devices. Customers shouldn’t buy an item simply because it is on sale without even knowing its pre-sale price. Doing background research on the non-sale prices for items one wants before starting holiday shopping can help one get the best value for money.

3. Not shopping online
Buyers should get ahead of the game and skip the crowds this Cyber Monday. They must shop online if they want to get a hold of the early deals. They can search for and compare the prices of a range of products offered by different retailers from the comfort of their homes. This will help buyers decide whether a particular deal is good enough.

4. Waiting until the last minute
This is never a good idea. Waiting until the last minute, especially on Cyber Monday, can make buyers lose out on many good deals. Popular products that are in high demand may sell out quickly or face delays in shipping due to stock shortages. Shopping early, as soon as the Cyber Monday deals are live, can help one get some of the best deals.

5. Paying for shipping
There is more to a deal than just the price. While shopping online, in addition to discounts, buyers must consider shipping prices, too. A good way to save money is to take advantage of free shipping or buy from the same store. For Cyber Monday, most retailers offer free shipping, so if a particular retailer does not offer it, look for another.

6. Not checking delivery times
Buyers also need information about the estimated delivery time to make a solid buying decision. Delivery delays are so common during Cyber Monday as the massive offers draw in many customers, leading to numerous shipping problems and warehouse delays. Buyers must double-check the shipping dates before they buy anything to avoid disappointment.

7. Not checking exchange return policies
Even after getting a good deal, buyers might want to return the product for some reason. Though most retailers have the same return policy year-round, cross-checking before buying is essential. Some may offer hassle-free returns, while others may have restrictive policies.

8. Getting scammed
Buyers must be wary of emails or popups promoting unbelievable product deals when searching for Cyber Monday deals. They may contain links or attachments that collect personal information and passwords. If one is interested in a product, instead of clicking the link, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing on one’s browser to confirm the same.

9. Using a debit card while shopping
Experts suggest doing Cyber Monday shopping using credit cards, as they provide more protection than debit cards. Once the money goes away from a buyer’s account, they do not know whether they will get it back or when they will get it back. Using a credit card wisely may also allow buyers to earn rewards on their purchases. Also, customers should shop only on secure sites and read the reviews of websites and retailers before shopping to prevent fraud.

Cyber Monday is a convenient way for shoppers to find discounted products, which is why this shopping event has gained popularity worldwide. Whether buyers buy online or from a store, it is essential to make wise shopping decisions to score the best deals for themselves and their families.